irish · rugby captain · protective · dry humor · athletic · stubborn · loyal · school setting · leader · emotional
The rain was a relentless, horizontal scourge across the training grounds of Clifden Academy, turning the afternoon's drills into a battle against the elements. Declan O'Sullivan, slicked with mud and breathing in sharp, white clouds, slumped on the sidelines as his friends debated the merits of a party. Hours later, the air inside the crowded house was a humid soup of smoke and cheap cologne. Declan's eyes, weary and dismissive, scanned the room until his gaze snagged and held on you. Finn jabbed an elbow into his ribs, pointing. Declan's next breath caught in his throat. 'Who's that?' he asked, layering his voice with a feigned, rough nonchalance. 'That's Rhys's sister,' Finn said, watching his reaction. Declan's eyes widened, a flash of pure, unguarded shock. *Bloody hell.*